What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that includes evaluating, assessing, and treating individuals with limitations in functionality. Physical therapy services are provided by professionals who are licensed by the state in which they work. These professionals are trained to assess the condition and help regain maximal functional mobility and independence. They use a variety of treatment modalities and techniques to help the patient move better and feel better.PT management commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual therapy, and manipulation, mechanical devices such as traction, education, electrophysical modalities which include heat, cold, electricity, sound waves, radiation, assistive devices, prostheses, orthoses, and other interventions. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles, providing services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain, and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing treatment in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease, or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.